bitten by the albino hippo

This was from a live game with 10 minute time controls played at like 3am in the morning waiting for the soccer world-cup final to start. I was playing white and since my opponent was about 300 points higher rated than me, some off-beat opening was my choice or preference.

I could see the albino hippo working well against players who mainly play hypermodern defenses as black, as they are not used to taking space. They are used to giving space, and then counterattacking the target you give them. If you don't give them a target to attack, I can see confusion setting in.

I don't consider myself an expert on the hippo but if my opponent doesn't take space and give me a target, I will simply commence on his king.

The hippo, usually used for black, is similar to a hedgehog setup in that it is a very strong defensive setup. Its strong suit is, it is virtually impossible to crack. Its negative is that it is very passive. You would find going for the king very difficult.

99% of my opponents i play against as black have played e4,d4 and c4. They eventually play e5 and that position is remeniscent of a traditional KID setup which is my bread and butter against 1.d4.

Of course I can't go after the king every game, some games require a c-pawn break rather than an f-pawn one (kingside attack). I'm just saying that if my opponent either does nothing or knows the theory of similar positions, my main aim is to expand on the flanks, my flank of preference being the kingside.